I don’t know about you, but when I am walking through the Student Union Memorial Center, I’m usually in a hurry. I’m going to grab a quick lunch, pick up something at the UofA Bookstore or the U-Mart or seeking someplace to study between classes. But I still can’t help but listen to the music that is being played overhead, both inside and around the student union.

For as long as I can remember, the music played throughout the confines of the student union has been relatively the same. Adam Levine, Kelly Clarkson, fun., the typical music our contemporary pop culture has given us. This has me asking: Why?

Why, at one of the top public universities in the country, with thousands of students from around the world, are we forced to listen to this kind of contemporary pop music while we are at the student union? Consider the huge opportunity that students are missing out on.

For those of you who gripe about those pesky fees we students must pay, here’s one you may have missed: All students must pay $1 per semester for KAMP Student Radio, an on-campus station run by students for those of us around the university area.

Since the late 1980s, KAMP has been streaming music shows for students by students. Some, such as Deep Licks with DJ Gator and Atlases, are dedicated to classic rock or alternative music, respectively. Others feature variety shows, like Stars of the Lid. KAMP’s website also provides concert and album reviews and information about upcoming concerts around Tucson for music lovers of all kinds. KAMP is a terrific way for students to be creative with the music they enjoy and have some fun while doing it.

So, why don’t we have KAMP stream at the student union? As of now, if you want to listen to KAMP, you can either turn on your radio — if you still have one — to 1570 AM, go to kamp.arizona.edu or sit in front of the KAMP headquarters at the Park Student Union.

KAMP is missing a huge opportunity by not airing its music at the student union. Instead of limiting itself to PSU and to its listeners online and on the radio, KAMP should be shared with all those who work, eat, shop, study and walk through the student union. It’s time for KAMP, as the UA radio station, to be heard at the student union. Perhaps it will inspire some students to listen to different kinds of music, or, if not, it will at least give us a chance to catch our breath and listen to something different while guzzling our Starbucks or eating our Sabor. Sorry, Kelly Clarkson.

—Casey Hovak is philosophy, politics, economics & law senior. Follow him @Hoyack_